In February 2026, the global surfing community and leading ocean conservationists will descend upon Australia’s Gold Coast for a landmark event: the World Surfing Conservation Conference (WSCC 2026).
Hosted by the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve (GCWSR) and Southern Cross University, this four-day inaugural event aims to unite science, culture, and sport to safeguard the world’s waves for future generations.
A World-First Milestone: Olas Perú and Carbon Neutrality
The conference will showcase a global-first for the surfing industry: the participation of Roberto “Muelas” Meza and his school, Olas Perú, the first surf school in the world to be Carbon Neutral Certified. As a legendary coach and eight-time national champion, Meza is leading a delegation of students to the Gold Coast to demonstrate how the next generation of “semilleros” can balance high-performance sport with rigorous environmental standards. By achieving certification through the Green Initiative and following international ISO standards, Olas Perú provides a strategic blueprint for how surf businesses can actively measure and offset their carbon footprint.
History in the Making: The San Bartolo Club Arrives
The Peruvian presence at the conference is further bolstered by the arrival of the San Bartolo Club from Punta Hermosa, who recently landed on the Gold Coast to make sporting history.
While veteran leaders like Muelas (Roberto Meza) and Magoo de la Rosa are returning to Australian shores, the delegation includes a talented group of “groms”—Catalina, Brianna, Alejandro, and Bastian—marking their very first visit to the region.
This group is set to become the first-ever South American team to compete in the World Club Championship at Snapper Rocks, a milestone that perfectly complements the conference’s mission of fostering global surfing heritage and youth leadership.
A Legacy of Champions: Felipe Pomar at Kirra
The momentum for the Peruvian delegation is at an all-time high following an inspiring morning at Kirra with Felipe Pomar, Peru’s first World Champion (1965).
At 82 years old, Pomar continues to be a global ambassador for the “surfing for life” philosophy, recently appearing on the Today TV morning show to discuss his enduring connection to the ocean. His presence provides a legendary backdrop for the San Bartolo Club as they prepare for their historic debut at Snapper Rocks.
Event Overview
- Dates: February 16 – 19, 2026
- Location: Southern Cross University, Gold Coast Campus (Bilinga, QLD)
- Website: www.wscc2026.com.au
A Convergence of Legends and Experts
The conference features a “stacked” lineup of over 100 speakers from 20 countries. Attendees will hear from icons like seven-time World Champion Layne Beachley AO, three-time Pipe Master Tom Carroll, and surfing pioneer Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew.
Beyond the professional athletes, the stage will be shared with world-class coastal engineers, climate scientists, and representatives from global NGOs like Save The Waves Coalition, Surfrider Foundation, and Surfers for Climate.
Key Themes and Highlights
WSCC 2026 isn’t just an academic gathering; it’s a movement that blends rigorous research with cultural celebration. Key topics include:
- Surf Break Protection: Unveiling new coastal engineering strategies and artificial reef technologies.
- Indigenous Stewardship: Deep-diving into First Nations “Caring for Sea Country” practices.
- Innovation: Exploring the circular economy in the surf industry, from recycled surfboards to sustainable tourism.
- Wellness: Examining the mental health benefits of ocean immersion and adaptive surfing.
Immersive Experiences
The event is designed to be as vibrant as the coast itself:
- Cultural Activation: Watch the live construction of a Caballito de Totora (Peruvian reed board) by a 500th-generation descendant, culminating in a historic 6:00 AM paddle-out at Greenmount.
- Arts & Film: Enjoy surf art exhibitions by Steve Valliere, photography from the 60s to the present, and exclusive movie nights featuring documentaries like Belinda and Corazon Salado.
- The “Surfing Festival” Context: The conference sits perfectly between the World Club Championship at Snapper Rocks (Feb 13–15) and the Gold Coast Open at Burleigh (Feb 18–22), making the Gold Coast the undisputed center of the surfing world for those ten days.
How to Get Involved
Whether you are a researcher, a student, a professional surfer, or an ocean advocate, WSCC 2026 offers a unique platform to exchange ideas and find workable solutions for the future of our coastlines.
Registration is now open. Early bird rates are available, and attendees have the chance to win prizes, including surf trips to Fiji and Indonesia.
Visit wscc2026.com.au to secure your spot, view the full program, or inquire about sponsorship opportunities. Join the movement to ensure that the waves we love today are still breaking for the surfers of tomorrow.
This article was prepared by the Green Initiative Team.
